Sink Insert

ABSTRACT

A strainer comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars aligned substantially parallel to one another wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal bars secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars wherein the latitudinal bars are flexible to allow one end of the strainer to be raised while retaining the opposite end in contact with a sink, a plurality of apertures result from the positioning of the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars, an outer perimeter bar surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars and defining the shape of the strainer and a drain opening located within the strainer and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening is defined be a drain perimeter bar.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to strainers for sinks, specifically to such strainers which are both rigid and flexible to protect the sink and prevent unwanted materials and kitchen debris from flowing into and clogging a kitchen drain and sink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sink strainers and colanders are known and used by individuals for a multitude of tasks in the kitchen. Many consumers dread dealing with clogged plumbing pipes resulting from solid materials collecting within a pipe and restricting or preventing the flow of liquid through the drain pipe. At the same time, consumers desire a convenient way to prevent the flow of solids through a sink drain. Consumers also want to protect the surface of their sinks from a variety of damages. Consumers want to protect porcelain and other coated sinks from being chipped by dishes, pots and pans as they are deposited and washed within a sink. Consumers also want to protect metal sinks from being scratched or dented by dinnerware, cookware and tableware during meal preparation and cleanup. Rubber sink mats are an option, but are generally unsightly and have a tendency to require frequent disinfecting due to bacterial and fungal growth. Rubber mats also tend to retain water by stifling evaporation which can often lead to corrosion within metal sinks. Hence, there exists an unsatisfied need for a sink strainer which lays flat on the bottom of a sink, but permits easy cleaning and evaporation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A strainer comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars aligned substantially parallel to one another wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal bars secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars wherein the latitudinal bars are flexible to allow one end of the strainer to be raised while retaining the opposite end in contact with a sink, a plurality of apertures result from the positioning of the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars, an outer perimeter bar surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars and defining the shape of the strainer and a drain opening located within the strainer and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening is defined be a drain perimeter bar.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form that is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a typical kitchen sink.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a pair of sink strainers inserted into a pair of sinks according to the instant invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 10A is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 10B is a side view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of one embodiment of a sink strainer according to the instant invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter in the following detailed description of the invention, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are described. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

Referring to the figures, where like numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8 an embodiment of a strainer 40 for a sink 10. Sink 10 may be any conventional lavatory or kitchen sink known in the art. The sink 10 may be constructed of any material known in the art including, but not limited to, stone, metal, glass, composite material, wood, plastic, ceramic, granite, marble, concrete, copper, stainless steel, cast iron, stone, enameled steel, terrazzo, soapstone, cultured marble, fiberglass, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the sink 10 includes a sink bottom 25, a sink wall 23 which emanates up from the sink bottom 25, a flange 16 which emanates outward from the sink wall 23 and a sink drain opening 21 located somewhere along the sink bottom 25. In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 1, a sink 10 includes a primary sink 20 and a secondary sink 30 which are separated from one another by a bridge 15. The primary sink 20 includes a sink bottom 25, a sink wall 23 which emanates up from the sink bottom 25, a flange 16 which emanates outward from the sink wall 23 and a sink drain opening 21 located somewhere along the sink bottom 25. The secondary sink 30 includes a sink bottom 35, a sink wall 33 which emanates up from the sink bottom 35, a flange 16 which emanates outward from the sink wall 33 and a sink drain opening 31 located somewhere along the sink bottom 35.

Looking again to the Figures, there is illustrated a strainer 40 which has a bottom surface 42, a top surface 43 and a plurality of side surfaces 44 which are defined by the perimeter of the strainer. In one embodiment, a strainer 40 is comprised of a plurality of longitudinal bars 48 aligned substantially parallel to one another wherein the longitudinal bars 48 are substantially rigid. A plurality of latitudinal bars 50 are secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars 48 wherein the latitudinal bars 50 are flexible to allow one end of the strainer 40 to be raised while retaining an opposite end in contact with a sink 10. A plurality of apertures 52 result from the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50 and an outer perimeter bar 54 or flange surrounds and encloses the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50 defining the shape of the strainer. An outer perimeter bar 54 can be substantially rigid if it is running parallel to the longitudinal bars 48 and it may be substantially flexible if it is running parallel to the latitudinal bars 50. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter bar 54 is substantially rigid. In another embodiment, the outer perimeter bar 54 is substantially flexible.

A drain opening 45 is located within the strainer 40 and within the outer perimeter bar 54 of the strainer wherein the drain opening 45 is defined be a drain perimeter bar 46 or flange.

A strainer 40 may be constructed of any material known in the art. Materials known in the art include both metals and non-metals. Suitable non-metals are generally polymers or plastics. Examples of plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is preferably a high density or an ultra high density polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the strainer is made of a material selected from the group including metal, non-metal, polymers, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof. A strainer 40 may have any shape permitting it to fit in the bottom of the sink including, but not limited to, circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, a strainer 40 further comprises a plurality of feet 56 secured to the bottom 42 of the strainer 40. The number of feet 56 secured to the bottom 42 of the strainer may be dependent upon the size and shape of the strainer 40. In another embodiment, a strainer 40 further comprises one or more foot bars 58 secured to the strainer 40 and one or more feet 56 secured to each foot bar 58. Each foot bar 58 may be secured to a strainer 40 running at any angle relative to the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50. In one embodiment of the instant invention, a strainer 40 includes a plurality of foot bars 58 running parallel, perpendicular, diagonally or any combination thereof relative to the bars (48, 50) of the strainer into one another. Each foot bar 58 may be rigid, semirigid, semi-flexible, or flexible depending on the direction it is secured to the strainer 40 (i.e., rigid when running parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars 48 and flexible when running parallel or substantially parallel to the latitudinal bars 50).

Looking to FIGS. 2 and 3 there is illustrated to separate embodiments of the instant invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of foot bars 58 secured to the bottom 42 of a strainer 40 where each foot bar 58 is running in parallel with the longitudinal bars 48 and one or more feet 56 are secured to each end of the foot bar 58. The foot bars 58 illustrated in FIG. 2 are rigid as are the longitudinal bars 48 in this figure. FIG. 3 illustrates a pair of foot bars 58 secured to the bottom 42 of the strainer 40 where each foot bar 58 is running parallel with the latitudinal bars 50 and one or more feet 56 are secured to each end of the foot bar 58. The foot bars 58 illustrated in FIG. 3 are flexible as are the latitudinal bars 50 in this figure. In yet another embodiment of the instant invention, a strainer 40 may further comprise one or more foot bars 58 secured to the strainer 40 running diagonally to both the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50 and one or more feet 56 are secured to each foot bar 58.

Gripper 55, also referred to as a protector, refers to a device which is secured to any portion of a strainer 10 to aid in protecting the surface of a sink 10, to aid in maintaining a strainer in a desired position/location, or any combination thereof. A gripper 55 may be permanently secured to a strainer 10 or releaseably secured to a strainer 10. A gripper 55 may be constructed of any material known in the art to achieve its intended purpose. In one embodiment, a gripper 55 is made from a non-metal material. Suitable non-metals are generally polymers or plastics. Examples of plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is preferably a high density or an ultra high density polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gripper 55 is made of a material selected from the group including, non-metal, polymers, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof.

One embodiment of the instant invention discloses a strainer 40 comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars 48 aligned substantially parallel to one another, wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal bars 50 secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars 48, wherein the latitudinal bars 50 are flexible to allow one end of the strainer 40 to be raised while retaining an opposite end in contact with a sink 10. The embodiment includes one or more foot bars 58 secured to a bottom side 42 of the strainer 40, one or more feet 56 secured to each of the foot bars 58, a plurality of apertures 52 resulting from the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50, an outer perimeter bar 54 or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars 48 and the latitudinal bars 50 and defining the shape of the strainer 40, a plurality of grippers 55 secured to the outer perimeter bar 54 to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer 40 within a sink 10 and protecting a surface of the sink and a drain opening 45 located within the strainer 40 and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening 45 is defined by a drain perimeter bar 46 or flange. The above embodiment may incorporate any feature or element previously mentioned.

Looking now to FIGS. 9 through 11, there is illustrated another embodiment of the instant invention including a strainer 100 comprising a plurality of strainer sections 101, each strainer section 101 comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars 108 aligned substantially parallel to one another, wherein the longitudinal bars 108 are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal bars 110 secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars 108, wherein the latitudinal bars 110 are substantially rigid, a plurality of apertures 112 resulting from the longitudinal bars 108 and the latitudinal bars 110, an outer perimeter bar 114 or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars 108 and the latitudinal bars 110 and defining the shape of the strainer section 101, wherein each strainer section 101 is pivotally secured to one or more other strainer sections 101 with one or more clips 120 and a drain opening 105 is located within the strainer 100 and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening 105 is defined by a drain perimeter bar 106 or flange.

Clip 120 refers to a device which is used to secure one strainer section 101 to another. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, multiple clips 120 can be used to secured strainer sections 101 to one another. Clips 120 are constructed of any material known in the art. Materials known in the art include both metals and non-metals. Suitable non-metals are generally polymers or plastics. Examples of plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is preferably a high density or an ultra high density polymer. In one embodiment, clips 120 are constructed of fabric or twist ties. Fabric clips 120 may be constructed of hook and loop fastening straps which are configured to have hooks on one side of the strap and loops on the opposite side of the strap. Clips 120 may be permanently secured, releasably secured or a combination thereof. Clips 120 may be thin straps which are folded over, enclosing and securing two inner perimeter bars 113 adjacent to one another. Clips 120 may be releasably secured to a pair of inner perimeter bars 113 such as the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B (staple configuration).

Looking more closely at the components illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, one can see that each strainer section 101 includes a bottom 102, a top 103 and a plurality of sides 104. When assembled there are both outer perimeter bars 114 (which are located along the outer perimeter of the strainer 100 and define the shape of the strainer 100) and inner perimeter bars 113. The inner perimeter bars 113 for each strainer section 101 are located adjacent to other inner perimeter bars 113 of other strainer sections 101. The space between each strainer section 101 is the location of a pivot/fold joint 125. Each pivot/fold joint 125 allows one or more strainer section 101 to be raised up off of a sink bottom 25 while allowing other strainer sections 101 to remain in place. A strainer 100 and strainer section 101 may be constructed of any material known in the art. Materials known in the art include both metals and non-metals. Suitable non-metals are generally polymers or plastics. Examples of plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is preferably a high density or an ultra high density polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the strainer is made of a material selected from the group including metal, non-metal, polymers, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof. A strainer 100 may have any shape permitting it to fit in the bottom of the sink including, but not limited to, circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof. A strainer section 101 may have any shape listed above which permits it to be secured to one or more strainer sections 101 resulting in a strainer 100 as defined herein.

A longitudinal bar 108, depending on the embodiment, can be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, or any combination thereof. A latitudinal bar 110, depending on the embodiment, can be substantially rigid, substantially flexible, or any combination thereof. An outer perimeter bar 114 can be substantially rigid if it is running parallel to rigid longitudinal bars 108 and it may be substantially flexible if it is running parallel to flexible latitudinal bars 110. In one embodiment, the outer perimeter bar 114 is substantially rigid. In another embodiment, the outer perimeter bar 114 is substantially flexible. An inner perimeter bar 113 can be substantially rigid if it is running parallel to rigid longitudinal bars 108 and it may be substantially flexible if it is running parallel to flexible latitudinal bars 110. In one embodiment, the inner perimeter bar 113 is substantially rigid. In another embodiment, the inner perimeter bar 113 is substantially flexible.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 11, the location of the drain opening (45, 105) can vary from one embodiment to another in order to accommodate the wide variety of drain opening locations within sinks. The instant invention will allow for the assembly of a strainer which can be customized and adjusted to locate its drain opening over a sink drain opening through the use of various configurations of strainer sections 101 and clips 120. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the strainer sections 101 can be configured with outer perimeter bars 114 running along the outer perimeter of the strainer, inner perimeter bars 113 located where two strainer sections 101 engage one another, and drain perimeter bars 106 defining the perimeter of the drain opening 105. In the case of FIG. 9, the drain opening 105 is located in the center of the strainer 100 and the drain opening 105 is defined by four separate drain perimeter bars 106 on four separate strainer sections 101.

Looking now to FIG. 11 there is illustrated an embodiment of a strainer 100 with four strainer sections 101 each having rectangular shapes. Three strainer sections 101 are comprised of longitudinal bars 108, latitudinal bars 110, outer perimeter bars 114 running along the outer perimeter of each strainer section and inner perimeter bars 113 located where two strainer sections 101 engage one another. The fourth strainer section 101 is comprised of longitudinal bars 108, latitudinal bars 110, outer perimeter bars 114 running along the outer perimeter of the strainer section, inner perimeter bars 113 located where two strainer sections 101 engage one another and a drain perimeter bar 106 which defines the drain opening 105. The location of the drain opening 105 could be altered at any time by simply removing the clips 120 from the strainer sections 101, placing the strainer section containing the drain opening 105 in a different location, and replacing the clips to assemble the strainer 100. In one embodiment, a strainer may be assembled using just two strainer sections 101 to only cover a portion of a sink bottom. In another embodiment, a strainer may be assembled using three strainer sections 101, each of which do not include a drain opening 105, leaving an uncovered area (i.e. a missing strainer section) around the sink drain 21. In yet another embodiment, a strainer 100 does not include a drain opening 105. In still another embodiment, a strainer 100 includes only a partial drain opening 105.

Certain embodiments of the invention described herein may be disassembled and reassembled to aid in both configuring and in storing the strainer 100. In the event that a person wishes to remove a strainer 100 from a sink bottom and store the strainer away, the instant invention offers a variety of options in storing the device. In one embodiment, a strainer 100 may be removed from a sink and stored without any alteration to the device. In another embodiment, a strainer 100 may be folded in half along either of the pivot/fold joints 125 and stored in a more compact space. The clips 120 may either remain in place (if they are fitted loosely enough on the inner perimeter bars to permit adjacent sections to be folded substantially flat) or be removed to permit adjacent sections to be folded substantially flat. In still another embodiment, a strainer 100 may have all clips 120 disengaged and removed, allowing a plurality of strainer sections 101 to be stacked upon one another and stored in a compact space.

In one embodiment of the instant invention, a strainer 100 further comprises a plurality of feet 116 secured to the bottom 102 of the strainer 100 or more specifically, each strainer section 101. The number of feet 116 secured to the bottom 102 of the strainer may be dependent upon the size and shape of the strainer 100/strainer section 101. In another embodiment, a strainer 100 further comprises one or more foot bars 118 secured to the strainer 100 and one or more feet 116 secured to each foot bar 118. Each foot bar 118 may be secured to a strainer 100 running at any angle relative to the longitudinal bars 108 and the latitudinal bars 110. Each foot bar 118 may be secured to a single strainer section 101 or to multiple strainer sections. In one embodiment of the instant invention, a strainer 100 includes a plurality of foot bars 118 running parallel, perpendicular, diagonally or any combination thereof relative to the bars (108, 110) of the strainer into one another. Each foot bar 118 may be rigid, semirigid, semi-flexible, or flexible depending on the direction it is secured to the strainer 100 (i.e., rigid when running parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars 108 and flexible when running parallel or substantially parallel to the latitudinal bars 110).

Gripper 115, also referred to as a protector, refers to a device which is secured to any portion of a strainer 100 or strainer section 101 to aid in protecting the surface of a sink 10, to aid in maintaining a strainer in a desired position/location, or any combination thereof. A gripper 115 may be permanently secured to a strainer 100 or strainer section 101 or releaseably secured to a strainer 100 or strainer section 101. A gripper 115 may be constructed of any material known in the art to achieve its intended purpose. In one embodiment, a gripper 115 is made from a non-metal material. Suitable non-metals are generally polymers or plastics. Examples of plastics include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, poly vinyl chloride, and combinations thereof. If polyethylene or polypropylene is used, it is preferably a high density or an ultra high density polymer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gripper 115 is made of a material selected from the group including, non-metal, polymers, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof.

The instant invention further includes a method of using a sink strainer 40 within a sink 10 comprising the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a sink 10 which has a bottom surface 25 and a         drain opening 21,     -   (b) placing a strainer 40 within the sink 10, the strainer 40         comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars 48 aligned         substantially parallel to one another, wherein the longitudinal         bars 48 are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal bars         50 secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another         and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars         48, wherein the latitudinal bars 50 are flexible to allow one         end of the strainer 40 to be raised while retaining an opposite         end in contact with a sink 10, a plurality of apertures 52         result from the positioning of the longitudinal bars 48 and the         latitudinal bars 50, an outer perimeter bar 54 or flange         surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars 48 and the         latitudinal bars 50 and defining the shape of the strainer 40         and a drain opening 45 located within the strainer 40 and within         the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening 45         is defined by a drain perimeter bar 46 or flange;     -   (c) placing a variety of items within the sink 10 and on the         strainer 40;     -   (d) running water and/or washing the items within the sink 10         resulting in the collection of organic and non-organic matter         within and under the strainer 40;     -   (e) raising a first end of the strainer up off the bottom         surface 25 and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into         the drain opening 21 while an opposite end of the strainer         remains in contact with the bottom surface 25 of the sink;     -   (f) returning the first end of the strainer to the bottom         surface 25;     -   (g) raising the opposite end of the strainer up off the bottom         surface 25 and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into         the drain opening 21 while the first end of the strainer remains         in contact with the bottom surface 25 of the sink; and     -   (h) returning the opposite end of the strainer to the bottom         surface 25.

In one embodiment of the above method, the strainer 40 has a shape permitting it to fit on a bottom 25 of a sink 20 including a shape selected from the group circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 40 is made of a material selected from the group including metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof. In still another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 40 further comprises one or more foot bars 58 secured to a bottom side 42 of the strainer 40 and one or more feet 56 secured to each of the foot bars 58. The foot bars 58 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars 48 and are substantially rigid, substantially parallel to the latitudinal bars 50 and are substantially flexible, or any combination thereof. In yet another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 40 further includes a plurality of grippers 55 secured to the outer perimeter bar to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer 40 within a sink 20 and further protecting a surface of the sink.

The instant invention further includes a method of using a sink strainer 100 within a sink 10 comprising the steps of:

-   -   (i) providing a sink 10 which has a bottom surface 25 and a         drain opening 21,     -   (j) placing a strainer 100 within the sink 10, the strainer 100         comprising a plurality of longitudinal bars 108 aligned         substantially parallel to one another, wherein the longitudinal         bars 108 are substantially rigid, a plurality of latitudinal         bars 110 secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one         another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the         longitudinal bars 108, wherein the latitudinal bars 110 are         flexible to allow one end of the strainer 100 to be raised while         retaining an opposite end in contact with a sink 10, a plurality         of apertures 112 result from the positioning of the longitudinal         bars 108 and the latitudinal bars 110, an outer perimeter bar         114 or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars         108 and the latitudinal bars 110 and defining the shape of the         strainer 100 and a drain opening 105 located within the strainer         100 and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the         drain opening 105 is defined by a drain perimeter bar 106 or         flange;     -   (k) placing a variety of items within the sink 10 and on the         strainer 100;     -   (l) running water and/or washing the items within the sink 10         resulting in the collection of organic and non-organic matter         within and under the strainer 100;     -   (m) raising a first end of the strainer up off the bottom         surface 25 and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into         the drain opening 21 while an opposite end of the strainer         remains in contact with the bottom surface 25 of the sink;     -   (n) returning the first end of the strainer to the bottom         surface 25;     -   (o) raising the opposite end of the strainer up off the bottom         surface 25 and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into         the drain opening 21 while the first end of the strainer remains         in contact with the bottom surface 25 of the sink; and     -   (p) returning the opposite end of the strainer to the bottom         surface 25.

In one embodiment of the above method, the strainer 100 has a shape permitting it to fit on a bottom 25 of a sink 20 including a shape selected from the group circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 100 is made of a material selected from the group including metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof. In still another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 100 further comprises one or more foot bars 118 secured to a bottom side 102 of the strainer 100 and one or more feet 116 secured to each of the foot bars 118. The foot bars 118 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars 108 and are substantially rigid, substantially parallel to the latitudinal bars 110 and are substantially flexible, or any combination thereof. In yet another embodiment of the above method, the strainer 100 further includes a plurality of grippers 115 secured to the outer perimeter bar to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer 100 within a sink 20 and further protecting a surface of the sink.

Any method described herein may incorporate any design element contained within this application and any other document/application incorporated by reference herein.

In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from the spirit and the essential attributes thereof, and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. 

I claim:
 1. A strainer comprising: a plurality of longitudinal bars aligned substantially parallel to one another; wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid; a plurality of latitudinal bars secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars; wherein the latitudinal bars are flexible to allow one end of the strainer to be raised while retaining an opposite end in contact with a sink; a plurality of apertures resulting from the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars; an outer perimeter bar or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars and defining the shape of the strainer; and a drain opening located within the strainer and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening is defined be a drain perimeter bar or flange.
 2. The strainer of claim 1 wherein the strainer has a shape permitting it to fit on a bottom of a sink including a shape selected from the group circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof.
 3. The strainer of claim 1 wherein the strainer is made of a material selected from the group including metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof.
 4. The strainer of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of feet secured to a bottom side of the strainer.
 5. The strainer of claim 1 further comprising: one or more foot bars secured to a bottom side of the strainer; and one or more feet secured to each of the foot bars.
 6. The strainer of claim 5 wherein the foot bars are substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars and are substantially rigid.
 7. The strainer of claim 5 wherein the foot bars are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars and are flexible
 8. The strainer of claim 1 further including a plurality of grippers secured to the outer perimeter bar to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer within a sink and protecting a surface of the sink.
 9. A strainer comprising: a plurality of strainer sections, each strainer section comprising: a plurality of longitudinal bars aligned substantially parallel to one another, wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid; a plurality of latitudinal bars secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars; wherein the latitudinal bars are substantially rigid; a plurality of apertures resulting from the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars; an outer perimeter bar or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars and defining the shape of the strainer section; wherein each strainer section is pivotally secured to one or more other strainer sections with one or more clips; and a drain opening located within the strainer and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening is defined by a drain perimeter bar or flange.
 10. The strainer of claim 9 wherein the strainer has a shape permitting it to fit on a bottom of a sink including a shape selected from the group circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof.
 11. The strainer of claim 9 wherein the strainer is made of a material selected from the group including metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof.
 12. The strainer of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of feet secured to a bottom side of each strainer section.
 13. The strainer of claim 9 further comprising: one or more foot bars secured to a bottom side of the strainer; and one or more feet secured to each of the foot bars.
 14. The strainer of claim 9 further including a plurality of grippers secured to the strainer sections to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer within a sink and protecting a surface of the sink.
 15. A method of using a sink strainer within a sink comprising the steps of: providing a sink which has a bottom surface and a drain opening; placing a strainer within the sink, the strainer comprising: a plurality of longitudinal bars aligned substantially parallel to one another; wherein the longitudinal bars are substantially rigid; a plurality of latitudinal bars secured to and aligned substantially parallel to one another and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal bars; wherein the latitudinal bars are flexible to allow one end of the strainer to be raised while retaining an opposite end in contact with a sink; a plurality of apertures resulting from the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars; an outer perimeter bar or flange surrounding and enclosing the longitudinal bars and the latitudinal bars and defining the shape of the strainer; and a drain opening located within the strainer and within the outer perimeter of the strainer wherein the drain opening is defined by a drain perimeter bar or flange; placing a variety of items within the sink and on the strainer; running water and/or washing the items within the sink resulting in the collection of organic and non-organic matter within and under the strainer; raising a first end of the strainer up off the bottom surface and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into the drain opening while an opposite end of the strainer remains in contact with the bottom surface of the sink; returning the first end of the strainer to the bottom surface; raising the opposite end of the strainer up off the bottom surface and rinsing the organic and non-organic matter into the drain opening while the first end of the strainer remains in contact with the bottom surface of the sink; and returning the opposite end of the strainer to the bottom surface.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the strainer has a shape permitting it to fit on a bottom of a sink including a shape selected from the group circle, semicircle, oblong, square, rectangular, oval, quadrilateral, tetrahedral, trapezoid, diamond, triangular, or any combination thereof.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the strainer is made of a material selected from the group including metal, plastic, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polymers, silicone, wood, or any combination thereof.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the strainer further comprising: one or more foot bars secured to a bottom side of the strainer; and one or more feet secured to each of the foot bars.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the foot bars are substantially parallel to the longitudinal bars and are substantially rigid.
 20. The method of claim 15 wherein the strainer further including a plurality of grippers secured to the outer perimeter bar to aid in both maintaining the position of the strainer within a sink and protecting a surface of the sink. 